

MyPlate: Be an Active Family—10 Tips to Help Adults Include Physical Activity
Reviewed
Editor's note
The following abstract describes a publication that is only available as a downloadable PDF.

Reducing the Risk of Groundwater Contamination by Improving Pesticide Storage and Handling
Revised
This publication examines five areas of pesticide management practices on your farmstead:

Reducing the Risk of Groundwater Contamination by Improving Hazardous Waste Management
Revised
Learn safe practices for managing hazardous materials on farms to protect drinking water and comply with environmental regulations.

Water Testing: What to Test For
Revised
Learn which water tests to perform for private supplies, including bacteria, nitrates, pH, and more, to ensure safety and identify potential issues.

Understanding Your Home Water Treatment Systems
Revised
Learn about home water treatment methods, including disinfection, filtration, and reverse osmosis, to enhance water quality and address common issues.

Agricultural Sources of Contaminants in Groundwater and Surface Water
Revised
Learn how agricultural practices impact water quality, from manure and pesticide use to fertilizer spills.

Managing 2,4-D and Dicamba in Enlist and Xtend Soybean
New
Editor’s note
The following abstract describes a publication that is only available as a downloadable PDF.

Reducing the Risk of Groundwater Contamination by Improving Fertilizer Storage and Handling
Revised
If stored safely in a secure location, fertilizers pose little danger to groundwater. Common sense suggests keeping fertilizer dry and out of the way of activities that might rip open a bag or allow rain to enter a bulk container.

Groundwater Quality
Revised
Learn how groundwater contamination happens, its effects on drinking water, and ways to protect this vital natural resource from pollution.

Reducing the Risk of Groundwater Contamination by Improving Household Wastewater Treatment
Revised
Learn how to properly install and maintain household wastewater systems to protect water quality and comply with local regulations.

USDA Pesticide Record-Keeping Requirements for Certified Private Applicators of Federally Restricted-Use Pesticides
Revised
Brad Fresenburg
Coordinator of Pesticide ProgramsMelissa May

Nest Boxes for Wildlife
Reviewed
Editor's note
The References section was updated in June 2017.

Understanding Your Water Test Report
Revised
This guide helps private well owners interpret water test results, identify potential contaminants, and determine appropriate treatment options.

Operating a Chain Saw Safely
Reviewed
Learn essential safety practices for operating a chain saw, including proper gear, maintenance, and cutting techniques to prevent accidents.

Controlling Runoff and Erosion at Urban Construction Sites
Reviewed
Runoff from construction sites is a major source of sediment. Visit our site to learn about Controlling Runoff and Erosion at Urban Construction Sites.

Vegetable Harvest and Storage
Reviewed
Learn how to properly harvest and store various vegetables to ensure optimal quality and shelf life.

Horn Fly Trap Blueprint
Reviewed
Editor's note
The following abstract describes a downloadable PDF. Please see the link to the PDF file. The PDF is 50 percent the size of the original blueprint.

How to Size a Farm and Home Water System
Revised
A farmstead water system should be able to supply the peak flow rate continuously for two hours. A home water system should be able to supply peak demand continuously for one hour. If the peak use rate exceeds the maximum well yield, provide intermediate storage.

First Aid for Storm-Damaged Trees
Reviewed
Learn how to assess and care for storm-damaged trees safely, avoid scams, and determine when to seek professional help.

Woody Biomass for Energy in Missouri
Reviewed
Woody biomass, comprising roots, wood, bark, and leaves of trees and shrubs, offers a sustainable energy source.

Air-drying Hardwood Lumber
Reviewed
Air-drying hardwood lumber enhances stability, reduces weight, and increases strength. Proper stacking and exposure are key for effective drying.

Felling, Limbing and Bucking Trees
Reviewed
Whether you are using a chain saw to cut firewood, trim trees or harvest large timber, you will be performing three basic operations: felling, limbing and bucking. Felling involves cutting a standing tree and dropping it in the place you want it. Limbing is the removal of the branches from either standing or downed trees. Bucking is the process of cutting a downed tree into appropriate lengths.

Exhibiting and Judging Garden Vegetables
Reviewed
Learn how to set up a vegetable exhibit, the factors vegetables are judged on, and conditions that could result in disqualification.

Selecting and Maintaining a Chain Saw
Reviewed
Learn how to choose and maintain a chain saw for various tasks, including trimming, cutting firewood, and land clearing, with safety and maintenance tips.

Selling Timber: What the Landowner Needs to Know
Reviewed
Many landowners receive a fraction of their timber's true value. Visit our website to read our Selling Timber: What the Landowner Needs to Know article.